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MySpace looks to games as 'missing piece of the equation'
MySpace became a wretched hive of scum and villainy as soon as all decent people fled for the greener pastures of Facebook. But Jonathan Miller, of MySpace parent company News Corp, hopes that games are the answer to reinvigorating the site."None of the traditional media conglomerates are also significant video game players, so to speak, and I think that that's the missing piece of the equation, particularly when you see how much time is spent playing games online," Miller said during last week's Fortune Brainstorm: TECH conference (via Reuters). It's a nice idea, but we're still not sure the video games MySpace could offer would be worth the dirty feeling we get every time we visit. Also, Facebook has Dolphin Olympics 2, so good luck beating that.
WoW and SL not all there is to MMOs
GigaOM has posted up a fascinating feature by Wagner James Au which claims that World of Warcraft and Second Life, the two best known of the MMO major players, are not the be all and end all of virtual worlds. Far from it. The post was Inspired by the release of a report by Engage Digital which claims investors 'poured $237 million into virtual world-related start ups and payment systems last quarter'. That's quite a large number and not actually that surprising given the number of new MMOs and virtual worlds which have been popping up on the internet.The post goes on to explain that an MMO's success does not depend entirely on vast subscriber numbers or players. Rather, it's more to do with the platforms. Au cites examples of MMO and virtual worlds only available on specific platforms or social networks including Facebook and MySpace which are just as popular as either WoW or SL, they just might not be as well known. Regardless, the post is quite a surprising read and definitely worth a peek if you need reminding that Azeroth and Second Life are not the only virtual worlds out there in cyberspace.
DC Universe teases their Comic-Con exclusive poster
Who does this lovely face belong to? That's for you to decide as DC Universe Online teases their exclusive San Diego Comic-Con poster on their Myspace blog.The full poster, which will be given out to anyone who visits the DCUO booth at Comic-Con, hasn't been revealed just yet. However, according to bad puns placed on official blogs, we will be "clawing" to get our hands on one. Catwoman? Huntress? (We're voting for Catwoman, personally.) Either way, it looks like another iconic hero will be revealed and confirmed as appearing in the final game. Now all we have to do is barge our way into Comic-Con, use our ingenious grapple guns to swing over across the convention floor, and then steal all of the posters so no one will ever know who the new hero is. Then that will lead into our plans for world domination... oh, wait, we probably shouldn't have blogged that out loud.Um, er... Who do you guys think it is?
Plenty of gaming options for today's 'tweens
According to this MSNBC article, there are no less than 200 youth-oriented virtual worlds and MMOs either in development or on the market. Some of these titles even boast account numbers that rival Facebook and MySpace as analysts estimate 30M users in Club Penguin, 52M users in Neopets, and 90M in Habbo.Is this really surprising though? Probably not when you consider that kids today aren't totally different in this generation than previous generations. 'Tweens have always liked to socialize, play, and simply "hang out." The difference nowadays is that parents tend to have looser restrictions and the kids can accomplish most of the things they like to do without even leaving a computer chair. The rules and tools have changed.The article also talks about a 89/10/1 rule that most F2P/RMT games aim for. This rule assumes that 89% of people will play your game for free, 10% will pay the minimum, and 1% will spend lots of money. Apply that rule to the recent announcements that both Free Realms and Runes of Magic have surpassed 1M users. If the rule applies, it means 100,000 people are paying the basic fees (~$5/month) and 10,000 are spending oodles on extras ($15+/month). That's roughly $650,000 per month, which isn't half bad depending on your development costs.
Mountain Dew Game Fuel site launches for reals
Update: This promotion seems to be US only. Sorry, rest of the world. Hopefully you guys will get something like this soon as well. China had a Coke promo, so maybe the EU/Oceania will get a turn sooner or later.The Mountain Dew Game Fuel site is officially live, and we're all free to earn lots and lots of tokens. You'll need to register first, so be prepared to hand over a fair amount of personal information. They want the usual things, like your name and birthdate and home address. If I had to guess, I would say they need all of that for contest reasons. You always need to ask those things so you don't run into any regional legal issues.Now, tokens. How do you get tokens? There's a full list of ways to earn them on the official site (that you need to be logged in to see,) but I can tell you this: Almost all of them involve clicking on some random links scattered around the internet. Watching videos on their site, clicking banners on Facebook, going to their Twitter page, all of that sort of thing. Time to start setting up a Mountain Dew bookmarks folder, folks.There's also an FAQ that confirms one of our suspicions: Yes, a WoW vanity pet is one of the potential prizes you can win. It doesn't state what it is, but we can all safely assume it's the battlebots we posted about previously. Among the potential prizes is a trip to BlizzCon as well, so if you can't afford the trip yourself, you ought to start hoarding tokens.
Second Life pwns Gordon Freeman, Warhammer Online, others
Wagner James Au at New World Notes is carrying some surprising data from ratings giant, Nielsen Media Research. From actual measurements of usage across over 180,000 homes in the USA, Linden Lab's Second Life (paradoxically measured under the 'PC games' category) rates the number two most played title, just behind World of Warcraft. Forget Warhammer Online, or EVE Online, they don't even make the top ten. World of Warcraft and Second Life beat out Gordon Freeman (Half Life 2), Civilization IV and StarCraft. As for actual weekly usage, Second Life is top of the pops at an average of 760 minutes per user per week. World of Warcraft earns the top spot with 653 minutes per user per week, but has a whole lot more users. How about Google's YouTube, the 800 pound gorilla and market leader of online video? Just 47 minutes per week (figure from C|net). Facebook? 84 minutes per week. Myspace, just 10.5 minutes per week (figures from ITProPortal). This data is measured from actual homes, as we mentioned. Almost 200,000 of them, so it isn't just data that's centric to the hardcore gamer. This is a random sampling of ordinary people. Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.
Square's on cutting edge with new MySpace game
Have you guys seen this new online Web site, MySpace? Apparently, you and your friends all get your MySpaces, and then you can go to one another's MySpaces and just ... well, we don't know exactly. Hang out? Chat? We're not sure. But we do know that you'll now be able to play Square-Enix's brand new Flash-based games there.The company's first casual offering is Dive II Hunt, starring Final Fantasy XII's adorable Sorbet. Listen, we're not sure if this MySpace thing is going to catch on, but we're glad to see someone's out there on the frontier and pushing boundaries.
Mafia Wars out now on the iPhone
Unfortunately, the classic mobile game of Dope Wars (I played hours of it on my old TI-80) still hasn't been allowed on the App Store -- Apple reportedly wasn't happy with the drug-themed gameplay, and so there are only "sugarcoated" versions there now (including one that is literally about sugar, branded as Candy Wars). But Zynga, makers of Scramble Live, have now released a game called Mafia Wars, which brings the same kind of premise: you're a mob boss, and you buy and use firearms to get money and all sorts of illegal items. The gameplay isn't exactly the same (rather than selling for higher and lower prices, you're "doing jobs" that cash out earned points for money), but Mafia Wars goes a little farther than Dope Wars, too, in that, since the game was originally created on MySpace and Facebook, you can "fight" against other players and win cash from them, too.Don't expect to see any of Grand Theft Auto's 3D graphics or storyline (for that, you can go try Payback) -- this is a strictly turn-based button pressing simulation. But it's got quite a life of its own on Facebook already, so it's well balanced and fun for a few pick-up-and-play minutes at a time. It's free right now on the App Store, though Zynga says there'll be "premium versions" (whatever that means) that cost from $10 to $40 (whatever that means) available soon.
Symbian Foundation keeps on rolling with 14 new members
Support for the Symbian Foundation's upcoming open platform has officially reached a rolling boil with the addition of 14 members to its already-impressive roster, bringing the grand total to 78 companies spanning the range from device manufacturers to carriers, developers, banks, and beyond. Definitely falling into that "and beyond" category would be MySpace, which pledged its support presumably to get its tentacles deep inside the Symbian codebase -- a wise move considering the obvious trend toward mobile social networking. Also notable are the additions of HP, Qualcomm, GPS chipset maker SiRF, and SanDisk. About the only thing left for the group to do now is deliver on its platform promises by pumping out some phones through its partners -- and can you just imagine an S60-based HP phone?
Multiverse reveals a peek at their upcoming flash development platform
Imagine booting up your computer to play your favorite online game with your friend, except he's in an airport waiting for a flight and you're at home in your office chair. You see a glorious 3-D world from the comfort of your computer monitor, and he sees a two dimensional isometric view from his hunched view over his mobile phone. You use your mouse to click your action buttons and fight monsters, and he just taps the screen with his finger. You're questing together, winning battles together, except you see the world entirely in 3-D and he's seeing it in 2-D.If you're thinking that this scenario is entirely implausible, you would be wrong. MMO tools developer Multiverse has recently unveiled a sneak peek at their upcoming flash toolset by launching the flash based game Multiverse Battle.
Social networking getting bigger on mobile phones
This is a big duh to anyone (like me) who's switched to a smartphone within the last year or so, but according to "new research" (I've never heard of them either), social networking applications and websites are blowing up on mobile phones, including none other than the iPhone. Things are going both ways -- social networks are reaching out to mobile users with mobile versions of their sites and device-specific applications, and mobile phones are reaching back by allowing quick and easy ways to take pictures or upload text or video. That dude on his phone in the bar next to you is just as likely to be texting his entire network as he is texting that friend he's waiting for. The end of The Guardian's article about this notes that search is up on mobile phones, too. Throw one more tick on the list of ways the iPhone has influenced how, when, and where we're using the Internet on our phones. [via textually]
Become a WoW Insider fan on Facebook
WoW Insider has been on Facebook for a while -- but with a new year right around the corner, we've set up fresh digs on a page of our own. Become a WoW Insider fan, meet other WoW players on Facebook and keep up to date with all the events and happenings at WoW Insider. WoW Insider's Facebook page is your chance to express yourself: Photos of your WoWspace If you think you have an interesting or unique WoW space, add it in the fan photos section. UI photos Does your UI rule? Share a screenshot in the fan photos. Your moment of 80th-level glory Where were you when you dinged 80? Upload a screenshot of your moment in the sun (or the ice, as the case may be). Questions? Comments? Post your thoughts on our wall or discussion board. Poetry and artwork Share your creative energy! Post your poetry or artwork for other WoW fans to enjoy. Come link up with us and keep in touch. Oh, hey -- while we're at it, don't forget to connect with us over on MySpace and Twitter, too. We'll be looking for you!
An inside look at the DC Universe Online studio
The latest bit of info about the upcoming game DC Universe Online comes to us through a video walk-through of the developers' own Hall of Justice. Michael Daubert, Studio Art Director for DC Universe Online, blogs on Myspace about what it's like to work on the game in the setting they've created.It's a place where every Friday is "Green Lantern Friday" when studio employees either wear GL's requisite green or Sinestro yellow. Monday is "Batman Monday"-- we think you get the picture. But having Wednesdays devoted to Aquaman... dubious. One pictures employees bringing their goldfish to work and willing them to perform office tasks. One tradeoff for having to dress in orange and green is that employees at the Austin studio are surrounded by artwork for DC Universe Online from Jim Lee and the Wildstorm Productions studio. The video gives us a glimpse at the roughly 1200 pieces of concept art Lee and his team have produced that literally wallpaper the studio. Plus you get to meet some of the dev team as Daubert alternately attempts to stay awake through Scrum explanations or avoid tirades from his colleagues. Unfortunately we can't embed the video for you right here, but if you head over to the DC Universe Online site, you can't miss it.
A MySpace portable audio player? (Design your own!)
MySpace has long been associated with music, and the site's recent push into commercial sales has prompted rumors that it might release a device of its own -- "it's possible," said the site's co-founder Chris DeWolfe when asked about it yesterday. For the time being, however, the social networking site will be wisely concentrating on what it does best: maintaining the world's foremost photographic archive of suburban tweenagers flashing gang signs and providing a much needed creative outlet for people with names like IfUaHATERthenDon'tbeHatin, « ASHLEE » and Psycho♥Rée. And to keep you entertained as you wait for another episode of MySpaceTV's Sorority Forever, feel free to check out the MySpacePMP Blingee after the break.Update: We've found ourselves so visually inspired by the concept of a MySpace player that we've decided to run a Photoshop contest (that grandest of traditions) to see what you can come up with. Fire your best 'shops on over to contests at engadget dawt com, and together we can create a brighter future.[Via Electronista]
Star Wars: The Old Republic goes Web 2.0
It's never been easier for an MMO to promote itself with the growing prevalence of social networking plaforms. Star Wars: The Old Republic, only officially announced this week, has already established a following on Facebook. It's also on the usual suspect MySpace, and you can follow BioWare's frequent Twitter updates on the game. Star Wars: The Old Republic also has a Flickr photostream up and running. BioWare has stated that even more is on the way, with plans for a YouTube Channel as well as Digg and Delicious integration. It seems that most in-development MMOs are seizing onto the fact that Web 2.0 and all that it brings are crucial to making gamers aware of what they're doing. Is it overkill? You decide. But it should be interesting to see how MMOs leverage social networks as time goes on. A good example of what's possible may very well be what's happening right now in Superstruct, a multiplayer game played out almost entirely over social networks and the web. Interesting times. BioWare has finally unveiled Star Wars: The Old Republic, their new MMO! Massively's got you covered on all the details -- from liveblogging the announcement to screenshot galleries and more. Join us in the Galaxy far, far away!
Violently networking as APB comes to Facebook
Social networking and virtual worlds are related technologies; they're both digital spaces where people can form and maintain relationships with one another. Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook are commonly used to market products and services. MMOs are both products and services, so putting them on Facebook makes sense.Realtime Worlds thinks so, anyway, as it has opened an official APB Facebook page where it can hold contests, and post news and media, and where fans can converse about the game. While pages are often used as half-hearted attempts to keep brands visible, Realtime Worlds is swinging for the fences by making its APB page an integral part of its public relations strategy.WarCry talked to Realtime Worlds community manager Chris "Ulric" Dye about that decision, and he described in detail what the company is trying to do and why it's trying to do it. It's an interesting read, and there are a couple more general game-related questions slipped in. Most of them are artfully dodged, though! Nevertheless, Dye announced a fan art contest. Go to the Facebook page and submit your "best APB-themed graffiti/artwork" to win an as-yet-unannounced prize!
Wanna be friends with a murloc?
Who's yer buddy? Murloc's your buddy! At least now he can be since he has his very own MySpace page. Did you know that a murloc's heroes are Jay & Silent Bob? Of course you didn't but now you can learn even more fun facts about murlockind by following his blog. Although his posts are written in Nerglish (e.g., "glmrmrgrbaba! mrllgrmrmrgr grmrmrblmrllrlmrgrmlbllb" is one of his most recent comments), he's provided handy translations for us via an unnamed enslaved Troll. His writings offer insights into his budding filmmaking career and his ongoing feud with his nemesis, Aquaman.Now I'm not much into MySpace, but this profile had me cracking up. Whoever is writing it has the Murloc mindset down cold and provides some funny roleplaying fodder. I don't think I'm alone in wishing Murlocs were a playable WoW class -- even though I know my wish is in vain. I haven't yet gone so far as to play the Murloc RPG, but it does pique my interest. Oh, and ladies, he's single! Catch him while his current mood is "rockin" and before it changes back to "angry."
DC Universe Online wants to add you as a friend
Stop the presses! Those of you just itching for information about DC Universe Online can now check out its profile on MySpace. That's right, well before there's an official webpage, you can get access to screenshots, wallpapers, icons, and concept art. There's also a dev blog, with interviews and video diaries to come.What's even more exciting for fans is the chance to attend the DCUO party at this year's ComicCon by making the profile your top friend, and printing the page out to show DC as proof. The party will be held July 25th at the Sweetwater Saloon in San Diego. Wow, who knew the Internet was such a great connective service? Gallery: DC Universe Online [Via Big Download]
DC Universe Online images revealed on MySpace
The comic-geeks over at Big Download followed the clues left in DC comic books this week and have found a MySpace page for DC Universe Online. The site contains the painfully small first screenshots seen in the gallery below.The MySpace page also showcases several concept drawings for the game and wallpaper downloads. Also, those who make the game's MySpace page their top friend, may get invited to Sony Online Entertainment's big reveal party later this month at Comic-Con in San Diego.[Via BigDownload] Gallery: DC Universe Online
Rock out with Turbonegro's Conan tribute, "Destroy All Monsters"
Norwegian punk rock band Turbonegro have added their Age of Conan soundtrack contribution "Destroy All Monsters" to their Myspace page. From reading the group's website, it becomes clear that they're at least a little bit loopy; but that's the way we love our rock-stars, right? They sat down for an interview with IGN, in which we find out that the band has ruthlessness, masculinity, and of course, swordsmanship in common with old Conan, and that they have progressed to the child-eating stage of their careers.The track was performed live at the Age of Conan launch party, and we're told that a high-def clip of this occasion will be available soon. The soundtrack for the game will launch in Norway on the 30th of June, and in August for the rest of the world.
